The patient had injured her back in a car accident and was experiencing excruciating pain. She telephoned the spine clinic and talked to a nurse navigator, who entered her medical history and symptoms into an electronic record. The next day, the navigator presented the information to a spine specialist, who recommended a treatment plan.
The nurse navigator called the patient, explained the plan and helped arrange timely appointments with physicians, physical therapists and other providers. The navigator also followed up with the patient to assure that the plan was working. Within a month, the patient was nearly pain-free.
Incredible satisfaction
Back pain is bad enough without the added strain of moving through the healthcare system alone. Nurse navigators ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care, answer questions, advocate for patients and help with insurance matters.
"We facilitate communication and keep all the players in the loop," says Julie Blatnik, program director of HealthEast Spine Care. "It's incredibly satisfying to help patients find care that reduces pain and allows them to resume their daily activities."
Relationships And Flexibility
Blatnik likes getting to know different therapists and providers. "It's fun to see what they do and talk through care issues," she says. "I enjoy building relationships and networks within the field."
Because navigators talk with patients during clinic hours, they don't work evenings or weekends. And since most of the work is done over the phone, navigators can sometimes work from home.
